Be Part of Building a New Republic

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Joe Costello TD attended a meeting of the Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee today to discuss the Irish Government approach to the Agreements, All Ireland and cross-border working.

Speaking after the meeting Sean Crowe TD said:

‘With regard to recent controversy surrounding Gardaí accountability and the powers and independence of the Garda Ombudsman, there is much that we can learn for the experience of the north. It is now recognised that the North is an international leader with regard to change and accountability of the policing and justice system.

“I believe that the Policing and Justice should be an area of work for the North South Ministerial Council and believe that many of the safeguards that where negotiated by Sinn Féin could and should be put in place in this part of Ireland.”

Michelle Gildernew MP following the committee meeting said:

“Communities along the border face barriers to public services, investment, jobs and barriers to trade. These communities are continuing to pay for the historic failure of partition.

“I was heartened that the Minister said that the A5 cross border road linking Dublin, Derry and Donegal will now be a priority. But more needs to be done to promote jobs and investment and development a cross border approach to health care provision and education. There is need for the government and the department to make the border region a priority and to realise the potential of greater cross border co-operation.”